Did you know yesterday was the birthday of one of the greats? I’m talking about Raphael—the Italian Renaissance painter, not the Ninja Turtle. Born on April 6, 1483, in Urbino, Italy, Raphael (full name Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino) lived a short but incredibly influential life. He passed away on the very same day he was born, April 6, 1520, at just 37 years old. But wow, did he leave a mark in that time.
He’s best known for his mad skills with balance, harmony, and grace. Where Michelangelo brought muscle and drama, and Leonardo gave us mystery and science, Raphael gave us serenity and sweetness. His paintings just feel calm, don’t they?
One of his early hits was the Marriage of the Virgin, painted when he was still a teenager. You can already see the clarity and order that would become his signature. But it was when he moved to Florence and then later to Rome that his career really took off. Think of it like a small-town artist landing in the big leagues and totally owning it.
And then there’s the School of Athens. If you’ve ever seen this masterpiece, you know it’s a love letter to philosophy, learning, and all the big thinkers of the ancient world—Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, you name it. And he painted it on a wall in the Vatican. Casual. It’s full of clever little details, including a sneaky
self-portrait of Raphael himself in the corner, just chilling among the philosophers.
He also painted dozens of Madonnas—his depictions of the Virgin Mary are tender and beautifully human. The Sistine Madonna is probably the most famous
(those two little cherubs at the bottom have basically become pop culture icons), but every one of his Madonnas seems to glow with warmth.
It’s easy to see why Raphael was so beloved, not just by popes and princes but by other artists. In fact, after his death, people called him The Prince of Painters. And his influence didn’t stop there—his style set the standard for beauty and composition for centuries.
So today, for his birthday, maybe take a moment to scroll through some of his work online or read a little more about his life. He was more than just an artist—he was a visionary who helped shape the very idea of what art could be. And honestly, who couldn’t use a little more beauty and balance in their day?
Here are some online galleries where you can explore his masterpieces:
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National Gallery, London: This gallery offers an insightful overview of Raphael’s life and houses a notable collection of his works.
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National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.: Explore a slideshow of Raphael’s art, reflecting the harmony and balance that define his style. National Gallery of Art
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Google Arts & Culture: A curated selection of Raphael’s works, providing high-resolution images and detailed information.
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Web Gallery of Art: A virtual museum offering a comprehensive database of European fine arts, including an extensive section on Raphael. WGA
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Musement’s Virtual Museum: An interactive platform featuring over a hundred of Raphael’s works, allowing users to browse by country and museum. Musement
